Let’s get one thing out of the way first. Today we are talking about The Strokes. No, not the 2000s indie rock band. While we all love blasting “Last Nite” with the windows down, today we’re talking about what happens when you actually get into the water.
Most adults and kids know how to “not sink.” This usually involves a frantic, high-energy hybrid of a doggy paddle and aggressive thrashing. Sure, it keeps your head above water, but it uses 100% of your energy to move about two inches forward.
Learning actual swim strokes is what turns you from a “flailer” into a “glider.” When you learn how to work with the water instead of fighting it, swimming goes from an exhausting workout to a smooth, enjoyable skill.
Whether you are looking to get into lap swimming, or you just want to know what on earth your kid is doing in their swim lessons, here is a normal person’s breakdown of the major strokes, how they work, and when you should actually use them.
The “Bread and Butter” Strokes (Start Here)
1. Freestyle (The Front Crawl)
- What it is: The absolute classic. You use a flutter kick, alternate your arms in a windmill motion, and turn your head to the side to breathe.
- When to use it: Whenever you need to get from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible. It is the fastest and most efficient stroke. Use it for racing your sibling across the pool or doing laps for fitness.
- The Reality Check: It requires burying your face in the water and learning the rhythmic timing of breathing to the side without inhaling a gallon of chlorinated water. It takes practice, but once it clicks, you’ll never go back.
2. Backstroke
- What it is: Basically, Freestyle flipped upside down. You float on your back, flutter kick, and alternate your arms backward.
- When to use it: It’s amazing for survival, conserving energy, and opening up your chest and shoulders. Plus, you get to breathe the entire time!
- The Reality Check: You cannot see where you are going. You will probably bonk your head on the wall at least once in your life. It’s a swimmer’s rite of passage.
The “Take a Breather” Strokes (For Survival & Chilling)
3. Elementary Backstroke
- What it is: Depending on when you took lessons, you probably know this as “Chicken, Airplane, Soldier” or “Tickle, T, Touch.” Both your arms and legs move symmetrically at the exact same time while you float comfortably on your back.
- When to use it: This is the ultimate survival and resting stroke. It uses very little energy, keeps your airway completely clear, and allows you to catch your breath while still making forward progress.
4. Sidestroke
- What it is: You lie on your side, use a scissor kick, and do the classic “pick the apple, put it in the basket” arm motion.
- When to use it: This is the stroke lifeguards use to tow people to safety. But for the average person, it is the absolute perfect stroke for swimming while keeping your hair and sunglasses dry, or for carrying on a full conversation with the person swimming in the lane next to you.
The “Fancy & Complicated” Strokes (For Showing Off)
5. Breaststroke
- What it is: A symmetrical stroke combining a “frog kick” with a sweeping, circular arm pull.
- When to use it: It is technically the slowest competitive stroke, but it is incredible for long-distance endurance. It also allows you to look forward the whole time so you can actually see where you are going.
- The Reality Check: Getting the timing right is notoriously tricky. The sequence is Pull, Breathe, Kick, Glide. It requires some serious brainpower and coordination to not look like you’re just doing jumping jacks underwater.
6. The Butterfly
- What it is: An undulation of the body (the dolphin kick) combined with both arms swinging over the water simultaneously.
- When to use it: To assert absolute dominance in the lap lane.
- The Reality Check: It is exhausting. It requires an insane amount of core strength and rhythm. If done incorrectly, it looks like you are actively fighting an invisible sea monster. Leave this one to the Olympians until you have mastered everything else on this list.
The Game Plan: What Should You Actually Master?
If you or your child are learning to swim, don’t try to learn the Butterfly on day one.
Your goal should be to master Freestyle and Backstroke first. Those two strokes provide the foundation for safety, speed, and fitness. Once you have those down, learn Elementary Backstroke so you always have a safe way to rest in deep water. Finally, when you want a fun physical challenge, graduate to the timing of the Breaststroke.
Stop Flailing, Start Gliding
Swimming is infinitely more fun when you aren’t fighting the water just to stay afloat.
Whether you have a kid who needs to learn the basics, or you are an adult who wants to finally figure out the timing of the Breaststroke, our instructors at The Swim Advantage are ready to help.
With locations in Joliet and Orland Park, we offer lessons for all ages and skill levels, plus dedicated Lap Swim times for you to practice your newly perfected strokes.
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